Boiler Operator I

About this role

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$63,666- $85,300 This position is onsite.

Do you enjoy working with complex mechanical systems and taking pride in keeping critical operations running safely and efficiently? As a Boiler Operator, you'll play an essential role in maintaining the Oakland County Central Steam Plant by operating and monitoring high-pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment. In this hands-on position, you'll help ensure County facilities receive reliable heating and steam services while working with a variety of mechanical systems in a safety-focused environment.

What You'll Do • Independently operate and monitor high-pressure oil and gas-fired boilers and related auxiliary equipment. • Maintain proper boiler water levels, steam pressure, and system performance through routine monitoring and adjustments. • Perform boiler blowdowns, collect water samples, and replenish chemical treatment systems. • Change and clean burners, install meter charts, and perform routine equipment maintenance. • Operate and monitor feed water pumps, air compressors, and other steam plant support equipment. • Inspect equipment to identify operational issues and report or address concerns as appropriate. • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized central steam plant. • Utilize Countywide and department-specific software and systems to support plant operations and complete assigned duties. • Work assigned day, afternoon, or midnight shifts, including weekends and holidays, to support continuous operations.

Why You'll Love It • Play a critical role in providing reliable heating and steam services that support County operations. • Work with sophisticated mechanical equipment in a dynamic, hands-on environment. • Develop and strengthen your technical skills operating and maintaining industrial boiler systems. • Join a team dedicated to safety, reliability, and keeping essential County facilities running around the clock. • Enjoy meaningful work where your expertise directly supports the daily operations of Oakland County. Minimum Qualifications EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school graduate or have completed the state requirements for a G.E.D. certificate; OR be an emancipated minor; OR have passed their 18th birthday.

Have one (1) year of full-time work experience in the operation of high-pressure steam boilers and related auxiliary equipment; OR      Have military experience as defined in the Skills Trade Regulation Act 407 of 2016; OR

Possess an Associate degree or sixty (60) semester credit hours from an accredited college, university, or technical school with a major in Applied Science, Applied Technology, Stationary Engineering, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing, or closely related field; OR

Possess a license or certification from one of the following:

• International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) completion of high-pressure boiler operator program or completion of low-pressure boiler operator program including a water chemistry course

• National Association of Stationary Engineers (NASOE)

• Certification of stationary engineer, operating engineer, or related field from a Proprietary School accredited by the State of Michigan

Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.

Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Independently operates and maintains proper steam pressure and water level in gas and oil-fired boilers by monitoring pressure and water level gauges and by controlling feed water pumps, heaters, and auxiliary equipment.

Takes samples from boiler water columns and performs chemical tests on water to determine softness and other qualities.

Operates and maintains fuel oil pumps, strainers, preheaters, pressure regulators and temperature controllers to ensure the continuous, efficient combustion of fuel oil supplied to the burners.

Changes chemical feed tanks by starting timer and adding salt as needed to maintain the quality of boiler water.

Checks log sheet of the previous shift and maintains the log by recording water test results, meter readings, equipment status and abnormalities such as changes in temperature, pressure, or water level.  Notifies the supervisor on the following shift of any problems according to operating procedure.

Periodically changes and cleans burners, performs "blow down" operation to clean out sediments in boilers, mud drums and operates soot blowers.

Checks air compressor for oil level, adding oil as needed, and checks and drains compressor tanks of condensed water as needed.

Climbs stairs to check pumping equipment, meters, alarms and gauges.  Listens for noises such as boilers, machinery, blowers, alarms, and whistles to ensure equipment is working properly.  Reads boiler pressures, temperatures, and air input on gauges. Climbs ladder to check boilers, opens and closes valves, and checks malfunctions.

Monitors meters, removes, and installs meter charts daily for each recording meter and adds ink to meter as needed to ensure efficient operation.

Inspects steam distribution, cond

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